Every Thursday morning at 9 a.m., coffee and a roll are available for $1 at the Schoolcraft Senior Service Center on Cass Street, but the good company is free.

On a recent excursion there, I am greeted by Anna Burson with her friendly smile and a coffee cup in each hand.

Char Sumney
Charlotte's Chatter

It is never a dull gathering. Several conversations are going on simultaneously, not loud or overpowering for anyone. These people are enthusiastic and look forward to the weekly coffee klatch.

Some of the participants arrive at 8:30 a.m. or shortly thereafter to catch up on the latest news or activities their friends enjoyed the previous week. Jackie Stoneburner and Anna arrive at 7:30 a.m. to get the two coffee pots ready for the weekly gathering.

The coffee klatch was started by Jackie years ago at Mar Jo's restaurant on Grand Street. The tradition has continued year-round unless the weather becomes too cold for people to walk to the meeting site.

Jeanette Hauts has been a faithful participant in planning the meetings, but she is taking a short break.

Several members who gathered at this early spring meeting indicated they are again happy to enjoy the jovial and pleasant gatherings. Several attendees have been limited for health or personal family constraints.

Some come a long way. Conrad and Mion Johnson drive from Cassopolis to join the coffee klatch. Conrad is a baseball and basketball enthusiast who says he has lost faith in the Chicago Cubs.

Others come to share news or to gain feedback from us seniors. Jan Van Stratt, executive director for South County Community Services, stopped to join this particular group of two men and 14 women who are involved in many of the programs offered by South County Community Services.

She said the SCCS meal site in Schoolcraft continues to draw a steady number of lunch participants, and the Angel Food Ministries distribution has seen a dramatic increase in those ordering the discount groceries through the food program that is brand new to South County.

Jan emphasized her goal is to be more visible in the Schoolcraft area this year and to enlarge services to the rural population. Her determination is to look at ways to improve the delivery of necessary services.

Nancy Rafferty and her husband, Dick, who have handled food and commodities for the meal site pantry, joined the coffee klatch gathering for a short chat. Nancy is always good for a few laughs and jokes, and this day was no exception.

After a few minutes of chatter, Dick said to the group, "Would someone volunteer to drive my wife home ? I am ready to leave."

Everyone broke into a laugh.

No one is a stranger to this group. Wear your favorite pair of jeans, or whatever you like, and come enjoy coffee and a roll for a buck.